JNU Crackdown: No relief for Kanhaiya Kumar, SC asks him to approach HC

In a setback for Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar, the apex court has refused to hear the his bail petition today, asking his counsel to approach the Delhi High Court instead.

"If we hear the bail plea, a message will go out that other courts are incapable," the apex court said.

Kumar's lawyer said the Delhi Police have not sought an extension of police remand for him.

Kumar had moved the apex court seeking bail on Thursday, claiming a threat to his life in Tihar Jail, where he was to 14-day judicial custody, on Wednesday. He was roughed up and chased away from the Patiala House Court by agitating lawyers when he was taken there during the day.

The Court has asked the Centre and Delhi Police to ensure proper security arrangements for the counsel of the student union leader on the HC premises.

Kumar said in his petition that there was no need for his custodial interrogation as he has already been sent to judicial custody. He claimed his innocence and said no purpose would be served by keeping him in jail as the police have been finding it difficult to produce him even in court.

Kanhaiya was arrested on February 11 after the police registered a case of sedition and criminal conspiracy against him. On February 12, he was remanded to police custody for three days. On February 17, the metropolitan magistrate sent him to 14 days judicial custody.